The Shippensburg University women’s soccer team is nearing an end to a promising season that was derailed by the offense’s struggles as the season progressed. 

On Sunday afternoon, those struggles continued in the team’s 2–0 loss to Mercyhurst University. 

The second half of the Raiders’ season has been headlined by offensive struggles and not being able to score goals. SU over its last 10 games, has averaged 0.9 goals per game. They have been shut out five times over that stretch. After starting the season 5–1, SU has gone 1–8–1. 

Sunday’s contest against Mercyhurst was more of the same, with the offense only being able to put up nine shots — just two of them on goal. 

The scoring began in the third minute of action when Mercyhurst defender Chelsea Gunderson got one past SU goalkeeper Kasey Doss. The Lakers added to their lead in the 21st minute on a goal by Veera Viitikko, prompting the Raiders’ decision to switch goalkeepers. 

SU was attempting to give sophomore Delaney Shifflett a game off, but Doss had given up two goals and had made only one save when the coaching staff decided to pull the plug. Shifflett made five saves without allowing a goal as she finished the game for the Raiders. 

The Raiders were outshot in the first half 9–2. However, the team made some halftime adjustments and came out with one of their better offensive halves of the past few games. 

They were not able to score a goal, but stayed almost shot-for-shot with Mercyhurst, getting outshot in the second half 8–7. 

Hopefully the Raiders will be able to capitalize on their second half improvements in their next game. 

The Raiders (6–9–1, 5–9–1 PSAC) are well out of the playoff picture, and with only two games remaining this season look to end the season on a high note. They next take on Jefferson University in a non-conference matchup at David See Field on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

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